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Oakland

La Catrina Sculpture Arrived in Oakland

A massive, handcrafted sculpture from Mexico City has been assembled at Fruitvale Transit Village.

Updated on Sept. 22, 2026 in Cultural

Bold vector editorial illustration of a towering, ornate La Catrina sculpture with floral motifs, representing a cultural monument in an urban plaza.
A giant, handcrafted La Catrina sculpture has been unveiled at the Fruitvale Transit Village in Oakland, following its long journey from Mexico City. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Artisans have assembled a giant La Catrina sculpture in Oakland after it traveled over 2,000 miles from Mexico City. The sculpture is expected to be the tallest of its kind in the United States.

Why it matters

The sculpture serves as a symbol of remembrance and cultural pride for the community. Its journey from Mexico City reflects the experiences of families who have immigrated to the United States.

The annual festival draws more than 100,000 visitors over its 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. operating hours. This marks the 31st edition of the cultural event.

The details

Handcrafted by artisans in Mexico City, the sculpture was transported to Oakland for final assembly at the Fruitvale Transit Village. It will serve as a centerpiece for local celebrations, representing cultural belonging.

Timeline

  1. The sculpture arrived in Oakland on Tuesday morning, September 22, 2026.

  2. The public display of the sculpture begins on October 1, 2026.

  3. The 31st annual Día de los Muertos Festival will take place on November 1, 2026.

Industry Dynamics

This installation highlights the growing scale of cultural festivals that bridge international traditions with local communities. The expansion of these events reflects a broader shift toward immersive, large-scale public art in urban programming.

Residents and visitors can view the sculpture at Fruitvale Transit Village beginning October 1. The public is invited to attend the festival on November 1 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 5 p.m.

The takeaway

The arrival of this sculpture highlights how cultural traditions can foster a sense of belonging in a new home. Residents are encouraged to visit the installation in the coming weeks to experience the artistry firsthand.

What happens next

The sculpture will remain on public display starting October 1, 2026, leading up to the festival on November 1, 2026.

Further reading

Learn more about local art and heritage initiatives on the Oakland Cultural section page.

Live Poll

Do you feel local cultural festivals help strengthen the sense of community in your area?